Elephant herd damages houses, paddy storage sheds in Assam's Samaguri

A herd of wild elephants has damaged several residential houses and paddy storage sheds in Singia Kumar Gaon under Samaguri, Assam, forcing local residents to remain indoors at night amid growing concerns over their safety.

The elephants damaged the houses of Rupak Saikia and several other families in Kumar Gaon, breaking walls, destroying paddy storage sheds and damaging household belongings. The animals entered residential areas at night while families were asleep, with one family reportedly having a narrow escape during the attack.

The repeated movement of wild elephants through the area has raised concerns among residents across greater Samaguri, who say they have been forced to spend sleepless nights due to the threat of further attacks.

Residents have alleged that the Forest Department has failed to effectively drive the elephants away from the populated areas. They have sought immediate intervention to prevent further damage to houses and ensure the safety of people living in the affected villages.

The affected families have urged the Forest Department to deploy advanced technology and other effective measures to track and drive the elephants back towards the forested and hilly areas.

Residents have also called for sustained measures to prevent recurring human-elephant conflict in the region.